起信論疏筆削記 8.17

8.17

In 'third, equality of root and branches', 'the sūtra says' is the *Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra*. The text says: 'Mahāmati! The tathāgatagarbha-ālaya-consciousness is originally pure in its nature, but being defiled by adventitious defilements, it becomes impure. For Queen Śrīmālā and other bodhisattvas of profound, subtle, and pure cognition, I taught that the tathāgatagarbha is called the ālaya-consciousness, arising together with the seven consciousnesses, so that the śrāvakas may see the selflessness of dharmas. For Śrīmālā I taught the realm of the Buddha, not the realm of non-Buddhists.' This says that the tathāgatagarbha is tathatā; tathatā is the root, and the seven consciousnesses are arising-and-ceasing. Arising-and-ceasing is the branches; since it says they are 'together' (ju), that is the meaning of equality. Further, 'the sūtra' is also that sūtra; it differs slightly from the previous text, but the meaning is largely the same, which can be understood upon examination. Further, 'the treatise' is the *Daśabhūmika-śāstra*. 'Only the true does not arise': because the fruit Buddha has no arising. 'Solitary falsehood is not established': because it has nothing on which to rely. Now, a dharma of solely the true is possible, but a dharma of solitary falsehood is completely non-existent; here they are stated in this way temporarily by way of correlation. 'This then' and below generally concludes, and also comprehensively concludes the three approaches; examine it.